Talking With God

by François Fénelon, Hal M. Helms (Editor)

All who seek fellowship with God amid the rush and racket of modern life will find that Fénelon's searching gentleness is a wonderful pick-me-up for the heart. This selection from his letters is pure gold. It's ecumenically as well as devotionally significant.

Genres: Christian, Faith, Spirituality

144 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1997

About the author

François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon, a Roman Catholic theologian and poet, wrote in France. He today is remembered mostly as one of the main advocates of quietism and as the author of The Adventures of Telemachus, a scabrous attack on the French monarchy, first published in 1699.

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gift from a dear brother who understands my heart. Every letter from Fenelon was rich and broke through so much clutter when I think about intimacy with God. I highly commend as not just a once through read, but a companion to come back to multiple times.

[Peter Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent spiritual reading. Fenelon strikes at the very heart of prayer, which is abandonment of self to be open to God. Every page is filled with the holy insight of a man who has examined his life thoroughly in the light of faith over a long period of time.

Update: 2/20
Now that I've finished this book I will count it as one of my spiritual favorites. The only thing is that I think it is misnamed. I think it should be titled something about "Getting at the Roots of Self-Love" or something like that because, although it has many insights about prayer, it is more geared toward stamping out the subtle tyranny of the "old man" as St. Paul calls it, the unredeemed self, the ego that drives everything we do, including our relationship with God and religion. Self-interest runs deeply in the human soul, and Fenelon is incredible in his insights about how to overcome self so as to have a pure intention of serving God and our neighbor.
This is really a book for mature believers who are on a journey to grow in holiness and sincerity of heart. I recommend it for anyone, but those who are faithful to prayer and spiritual development will benefit most from this incredible work.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of immense amounts of wisdom. The chapters are small, 1-3 pages long, so I take this little book to Mass and read one before Mass starts. Some of the chapters have been so powerful I feel like been grown spiritually from reading them. I often have "aha" moments. Amazing piece of work. Highly recommend!

[Mark Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent guide to life. Written by Fenelon who was serving as an instructor to the royal children in France during the Napleonic times. His instruction in this book is easy to read and at the same time is classic and pure in its focus on how to live a Godly life.

[Lenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best collection of his letters that i have read. Loved it.

[Chris Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a light read, but it is powerful if you take your time with it. The concepts in this book deserve quiet consideration. I would recommend it be read about ten pages at a time.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One to read at least once a year. A Classic for those interested in an intimate relationship with God.

[Lee]

I am not smart enough for this book.
I am glad to just be able to finish it.